If ever you were to be spoilt for choice about the way to see a country, France has it. The fastest trains in the world that can take you in comfort from Paris to the Mediterranean in less than four hours, an extensive high quality road system, domestic air routes and ferries that can take you to romantic Corsica & Sardinia.
Find below your options for transport in France:
Trains
The pride of France is its TGV or Train à Grande Vitesse, high speed rail network but these sleek trains are only part of an extensive system, as they are complimented by modern efficient, no reservation, regional trains which service so many small towns and villages in the French countryside. Then add some of Europe’s most scenic train routes which are usually found in the mountainous regions of the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central and you cannot forget the spectacular rail journeys in Corsica. It adds up to a relaxed way of discovering France.
For international links there is Thalys, that connects France to its northern neighbours of Belgium & The Netherlands, the world class German ICE trains, Thello night train to Italy, Eurostar and TGV trains to Switzerland and now to Barcelona in Spain.
But the most famous train of all, the legendary ‘Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ makes its nostalgic way from Paris to Venice in opulent comfort.
We can supply all types of rail services: tickets and passes, seat reservations, advice on scenic journeys to remember and heritage trains.
Rent-a-car or Lease
Back roads and the French countryside are ideal for driving. We can plan your own itinerary at a pace that suits your style.
Whether it is just a few days or a few months, we can assist in choosing the right vehicle: diesel, petrol or hybrid; two or four door; big or small; wagon or sedan; convertible or hard-top; one way drop off fee or return; insurance; international drivers licence; etc. Then, calculating whether it is best to rent or buy via one of the popular leases available from Renault & Peugeot.
Our travel planners often find it is better to combine both rail and car.
Metro & major city public transport
The Paris Metro is synonymous as a public transport system. It is an incredibly broad system that covers such a wide area of the city. It is easy to use with colour coded maps, clear signage. It’s cheap, clean and has regular departures from early morning to late at night. There are various tickets available depending on your length of stay in Paris that can save you time and money. Also in Paris, is the RER system which is five express lines that connect Paris with the surrounding suburbs which include Charles de Gaulle airport and Versailles. When taking a RER train strictly within central Paris Zone 1, you can use a basic Paris Metro ticket for travel on the RER. Travel beyond Paris Zone 1 on the RER requires a special ticket: a billet Ile-de-France.
Most regional cities have extensive public transport systems’, most emulating from the central railway station. Many have bus networks but cities like Montpellier, Clermont Ferrand, Mulhouse to name a few have brilliant new tram systems. These systems all have daily, 24 hour or multiple journey tickets that can represent excellent saving. Montpellier & Mulhouse and others that have tourist attractions also have “City Cards” which are great value and give access to many of the cities attractions’ as well as the transport system.
French domestic flights
Flying is often the best way to get to Corsica, but there is so much to see at ground level that it is not our first preference.
Ferries
A very pleasant way of travelling from the south of France to Corsica and Sardinia and a very convenient way of visiting the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey. Other ferries link France with the mainland of the United Kingdom, Ireland and the north coast of Africa.
CONTACT US TO PLAN YOUR ITINERARY
